CPDA CEO Breaks Down Key Policy Issues Facing Ag Retail
March 24, 2026 During a recent episode of CropLife Retail Week, Terry Kippley, President and CEO of the Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), shared timely insights on the policy and regulatory issues shaping the ag retail and crop protection landscape in 2026.
Kippley joined the program following CPDA’s participation in the annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In, where approximately 70 industry representatives met with lawmakers and regulators to discuss key priorities, including the next iteration of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA 6), the Farm Bill, and ongoing challenges at the U.S. EPA.
PRIA 6: Balancing Efficiency and Complexity
One of the central topics during the Fly-In was the future of pesticide registration under PRIA 6. The current framework, PRIA 5, is set to expire in 2027, making ongoing discussions critical to ensuring continuity for the industry.
“PRIA establishes the framework and funding for EPA to review pesticide registrations within defined timelines,” Kippley explained. “It gives companies more predictability in the regulatory process while also ensuring the agency has the resources it needs to conduct thorough scientific reviews.”
As conversations shift toward PRIA 6, the challenge will be maintaining that predictability while addressing new regulatory demands — particularly those tied to Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance.
“The focus with PRIA 6 is on maintaining timely reviews while also addressing some of the additional workload EPA is facing,” Kippley said. “We want to make sure the process remains efficient and predictable, while also incorporating any new requirements in a practical way.”
Farm Bill Focus: Stability and Access
In addition to PRIA, CPDA members spent significant time discussing the next Farm Bill with lawmakers. While the legislation continues to evolve, Kippley emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable policy environment for growers and agribusinesses alike.
“The industry is focused on ensuring farmers have access to the tools they need — whether that’s through research funding, conservation programs, or regulatory clarity,” he said. “There’s also a strong emphasis on maintaining a stable and predictable policy environment so businesses can plan and invest with confidence.”
These discussions come at a time when many growers are facing economic pressure from high input costs and fluctuating commodity prices, making policy consistency even more critical.
Strong Engagement on Capitol Hill
Kippley noted that CPDA members had a robust presence during their time on Capitol Hill, meeting with a wide range of congressional offices to share industry perspectives.
“Those meetings are critical for educating policymakers about the role our industry plays and the challenges we’re facing,” he said.
The engagement reflects a continued effort by the crop protection and ag retail sectors to ensure their voice is heard as legislative and regulatory decisions take shape.
EPA Pressures and Labeling Challenges
The group also met with EPA officials, where discussions centered on pesticide registrations, label approvals, and the broader implications of ESA requirements. According to Kippley, the agency is taking a cautious and deliberate approach.
“There’s a strong emphasis on getting things right, which we appreciate, but it has slowed down the pace of approvals,” he said.
That slower pace has become increasingly noticeable across the industry, with relatively few new product labels being approved in recent months. While the thoroughness is necessary, it presents challenges for companies and growers awaiting access to new tools.
“Dicamba was certainly part of the discussion, along with broader labeling and compliance challenges,” Kippley added, underscoring the complexity of the current regulatory environment.
Continued Advocacy Beyond the Fly-In
While the Fly-In serves as a key touchpoint for engagement, Kippley stressed that advocacy efforts extend well beyond a single event.
“The work doesn’t stop after the Fly-In,” he said. “We continue engaging with policymakers, providing input on legislation and regulatory developments, and working with stakeholders across the industry.”
He also encouraged broader industry participation, noting that staying engaged and communicating with elected officials remains essential.
“For those who want to get involved, staying engaged, communicating with representatives, and participating in industry associations are all important ways to contribute,” Kippley said.
As highlighted during his appearance on CropLife Retail Week, Kippley’s insights reflect an industry navigating an increasingly complex intersection of policy, regulation, and market dynamics. With PRIA 6 discussions underway, Farm Bill negotiations continuing, and EPA processes evolving, engagement from across the ag value chain will remain critical in the months ahead. For additional perspective and deeper insights, be sure to watch the full episode of CropLife Retail Week.
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